What would you do?

[scottduffy]

I am thinking about buying a lens in the next couple of months that works well for portraits and was dead set on buying the Canon 85mm f1.8 after reading the reviews but now i have saw another lens that might work as well for portraits and has the added ability to work as a macro lens. The canon 100 mm f2.8 macro is the lens i am talking about. Anyone know if it's close to the 85mm as a portrait lens because if it is then the macro might swing it.

 

[ChrisMClark]

Can't comment too much because I'm not a Canon user, but longer focal lengths are preffered for portraiture, but if you're using it in studio do you have the extra space to get further back using a longer lens? The other thing to think is where are you going to use it? If you're doing a lot of low loight work then the 1.8 is faster and may be the better choice IMO. If it was me looking for a similar lens in Nikon mount I'd be going with the 85mm.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Can't comment too much because I'm not a Canon user, but longer focal lengths are preffered for portraiture, but if you're using it in studio do you have the extra space to get further back using a longer lens? The other thing to think is where are you going to use it? If you're doing a lot of low loight work then the 1.8 is faster and may be the better choice IMO. If it was me looking for a similar lens in Nikon mount I'd be going with the 85mm.

I sold my 85mm f/1.8 and kept the 105mm f/2.8 Macro...

 

[scottduffy]

It won't be in a studio it would be for mainly family pictures outside. Obviously there will be some indoor pictures. Was there any reason in particular that you got rid of the 85mm. Was the 100mm sharper for portraits or was it the macro capabilities?